Shield
Arawe, West New Britain Province, Papua New Guinea
Early 20th c
Provenance:
Old American collection. Acquired in the 1990’s from David Rosenthal, San Francisco
This bold shield is made from three curved planks bound together by rattan cane. The front is carved in relief with concentric circles, separated by horizontal rows of triangular shaped designs. Vivid organic pigments highlight the designs impact. The painted design on the back of the shield may refer to a life force or perhaps spirits found in the forest. Shields of this type were used more for dancing than fighting. In New Britain, performances often feature a group of men dancing in chorus.
Shield
Arawe, West New Britain Province,
Papua New Guinea
Early 20th c
Provenance:
Old American collection. Acquired in the 1990’s from David Rosenthal, San Francisco
This bold shield is made from three curved planks bound together by rattan cane. The front is carved in relief with concentric circles, separated by horizontal rows of triangular shaped designs. Vivid organic pigments highlight the designs impact. The painted design on the back of the shield may refer to a life force or perhaps spirits found in the forest. Shields of this type were used more for dancing than fighting. In New Britain, performances often feature a group of men dancing in chorus.